keeping
Americannoun
-
agreement or conformity in things or elements associated together.
His actions are not in keeping with his words.
- Synonyms:
- harmony, congruity, consistency
-
the act of a person or thing that keeps; observance, custody, or care.
- Synonyms:
- guardianship, charge, protection
-
maintenance or keep.
-
holding, reserving, or retaining.
noun
-
conformity or harmony (esp in the phrases in or out of keeping )
-
charge or care
valuables in the keeping of a bank
Related Words
See custody.
Etymology
Origin of keeping
First recorded in 1250–1300, keeping is from the Middle English word keping. See keep, -ing 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Disneyland officials said the "resort remains open to guests," and they were keeping a close tab on the matter.
From Barron's • May 24, 2026
Fuel prices and shipping costs could take longer to decline than oil prices given depleted inventories and damage to production facilities, keeping an energy premium embedded in the global economy.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026
The sudden drop in the number of laying hens and the added energy cost of keeping birds indoors due to restrictions caused shortages.
From BBC • May 24, 2026
El Camino Real’s outfielders were busy keeping December out of trouble through four innings despite three hit batters and two walks.
From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026
She knew he was keeping their budding romance a secret from his parents.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
